In the end, while Estes walks me through the mechanics of driving the Chieftain in about 15 minutes, it's clear that mastering this machine will require much more time behind the levers.
Wham, Bam, Tank You, Ma'am
As I park the Chieftain safely inside the Tactical Tanks compound, I find myself regretting my decision not to take the full insurance coverage for my rental car. "Accidentally" flattening a car with a 55-ton tank would have made two firsts in one day. When I divulge this fantasy to Estes, he gives me a look that tells me it's not exactly an original thought.
"We've had a number of people who wanted to come up here and do just that," says Estes. "But we're trying to build a reputation as an outfit that can deliver serious results to our business clients, so we don't go for those kinds of sensational things."
Point taken, David. But, still, a guy can dream, can't he?